Kitchen Manager

The Kitchen Manager leads the day-to-day operations of the Island Grown Initiative Kitchen — a program at the heart of IGI’s food access work. Now in its 20th year, Island Grown works to build a regenerative and equitable island food system through our 42-acre farm, food pantry, commercial kitchen, and farm to school programs.

As Kitchen Manager, you'll oversee a dynamic operation that provides nutritious, locally-sourced meals for community members facing food insecurity in collaboration with a committed team of staff, volunteers, and partners. This is a hands-on leadership role that combines culinary skill, logistical coordination, and genuine care for the island community. The Kitchen Manager is an active, hands-on presence in the kitchen every day — cooking, cleaning, washing dishes, mentoring volunteers, and leading by example. This is a full time, year-round position.

Principal responsibilities:

Kitchen Operations (70%)

• Plan, coordinate, and execute weekly meal production — including frozen prepared meals, daily lunches for Early Childhood Education, summer lunch kits, Harvest of the Month taste tests, and seasonal preserving
• Develop nutritious, flavorful recipes tailored to the dietary needs of those we serve
• Source ingredients from local and regional suppliers; adapt menus seasonally
• Solicit and integrate feedback from clients into menu planning
• Maintain compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards; manage equipment upkeep
• Take direct responsibility for cooking, cleaning, and dishwashing alongside staff and volunteers Minimize food waste and divert food scraps; manage meal pick-ups and deliveries
• Communicate regularly with the Food Equity team and partner organizations

Volunteer Management (15%)

• Oversee volunteer onboarding, scheduling, and ongoing training
• Lead volunteers in meal preparation and packaging
• Foster a positive, engaging volunteer experience

Client Services (5%)

• Maintain regular contact with meal delivery clients
• Work with referral partners to ensure enrollment and satisfaction

Administrative Duties (10%)

• Manage ordering, receiving, and inventory of ingredients and supplies
• Maintain meal data in the IGI Data Dashboard Submit monthly billing for Early Childhood Education meals
• Manage kitchen staff scheduling and time clock review
• Support annual budget preparation and ongoing budget review with the Food Equity Director
• Attend quarterly all-staff and team meetings

Qualifications:

• ServSafe Manager certified
• Allergen Awareness certified
• Minimum 2–3 years managing kitchen operations
• Experience leading volunteers
• Able to work collaboratively and independently
• English proficiency required

• Eligible for benefits package including medical and dental, HSA, 401k, and PTO
• Housing may be available

English proficiency required.

Brazilian Portuguese helpful but not necessary.